1959 Triumph TR3a |

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1959 Triumph TR3a

Sold Price

£21,730

Mileage~89,300
TransmissionManual
Engine2.0L
LocationPeterbrough

SOLD

1959 Triumph TR3a

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Glyn Parry

Professional Consigner

Conceived as an affordable sports car with a brief to reach 100MPH, the Triumph TR series was an instant hit.

Beloved by global buyers, particularly in the States, the Triumph TR3A has always been sought after as a simple unadulterated driving experience. The combination of a small car with a relatively big engine, sitting inches above the floor offers a unique experience. While that may be its main appeal, factor in the reliable simplicity of its engineering, ready parts availability and out of the box charm, it's not hard to see why these cars continue to attract adulation.

Mick's 1959 Triumph TR3A, is the revamped take on the original TR3. The ‘A’ designation (a retrospective tag) alludes to America, which was its key export market. The TR3A is bursting with a 100bhp engine, a full-width grille, exterior door handles, lockable boot, a full tool kit and improved braking. This particular example has the distinction of being an RHD UK spec car with the benefit of a rebuild and retrim.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Glyn Parry after meeting Mick the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Over 23K has been spent on getting this TR3A up to scratch.

Mick likes to buy and restore classic cars. He tends to enjoy them for a couple of years, taking them to shows before moving on to a new project. He enjoys the building and driving experience of his cars and as most classic car owners will testify, normally sells at a loss. He has spent about £23,000 building this one but needs to free up space for his other 2 classic cars, a Frog-eye sprite and Mini Moke.

Mick

Vehicle Owner

Mick saved £3,780* when they
sold their Triumph with us.

SELLING MADE EASY

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We'll market it to our 62K buyers & online.
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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Beautifully presented with Sebring White paint and red interior finish, this is the perfect car for a blast on the country lanes.

Wheels and Tyres

The steel wheels are standard fitment but have been refurbished. The trims are older but in great condition. The Pirelli Cinturato tyres have plenty of life in them.

Bodywork

The car has been subject to a restoration of a high standard, with attention paid to body panel fit and alignment, potentially improving on the original build as like many cars of this era original factory panels can suffer from poor fit. Some of the hidden welding areas of the car are perfectly solid but lack the visual aesthetics of the exterior finish. The detailing, trim and finishing of the chrome work are excellent, most of the items have been replaced with new parts.

Paint

The brilliant white finish is excellent on the body, with good coverage across the whole car. There is no evidence of chips, marks or rusting from the outside, although the paint has cracked a little in the door shuts (see video)

Glass and Trim

One advantage of not having much glass on the car is that you'll just need to worry about the windscreen, which happens to be in good order with no major scratches or chips.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The attractive red interior has been re-trimmed to a high standard.

Seats and Carpets

As expected for a car that has seen extensive rebuild work, the interior is in very good condition, with professionally re-upholstered seats. The carpets fit perfectly.

Dashboard

The dashboard dials are all fully functional and the presentation of the beautiful chrome rimmed instruments adding to the snug but the very enticing cabin.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is in great condition, with the gear knob being the only item showing the age of the car.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Lightly modified in keeping with the original feel of the car, the engine has to be heard!

Engine and Gearbox

These engines are very versatile to upgrade and modify, and this one has not only benefitted from a rebuild (new liners, pistons, and crank reground) but has seen several upgrades, including an improved camshaft as well as a carburettor rebuild. The car started well from a cold start with no issues at all, the consigner noted a slight lumpy tick over but that is due to the upgraded camshaft. Gears shift well.

Suspension and Brakes

The car has seen a total overhaul of mechanical parts, including the brakes and suspension and as a result, the simple but effective standard items are more than adequate to perform.

The Drive

The raw experience of driving a small but perfectly formed British sports car is one of the draws of the continuing success and demand for all of the Triumph TR cars, with the TR3A being one of the most collectable models. This well-restored example should provide the new buyer with everything they're looking for in a classic sports car.

Electrics and Other

All electrical items function well as expected for a car that has received a new wiring loom. New lights are among the many items that have been bought for the car. The car has door-tops and a new hood and tonneau cover included.

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History and Paperwork

The car comes with a huge stack of restoration photographs and invoices.

The car has limited history prior to Mick's ownership but is thought to be a genuine UK car (heritage certificate included). Delivered to its first owner in June 1959 by Botwoods Ltd of Ipswich. It comes with a large rebuild file with photographs and invoices. There is also a BMC Heritage Certificate and comes with its original registration number. The car also comes with a recent MOT.

Key Details

ModelTR3A
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date1959
CC1,991
Mileage89,312
ColourSebring White
Interior ColourRed
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #TS/51427
Engine #TS17907E
RestoredYes
Engine RebuildYes
MOTOctober 2021
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes
Tyre BrandPirelli Cinturato
Security SysNo
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Key FeatureRestored to original spec

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All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions

Seller : Mick W Sale Date 18.11.2020

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

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Guest

runningdogs

Has the car been converted to unleaded petrol

Admin

Kulraj Salh

Member

runningdogs

OK thanks

Guest

Michael Delaney

£16,250

Admin

Kulraj Salh

Hi, Bids need to be placed in the bidding panel. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

Guest

BasilPennicott

Has it been converted to unleaded
Petrol

Admin

Kulraj Salh

Hi Basil, just replaying Mick’s earlier answer, it has not been converted. When Mick had the engine rebuilt, the garage said not to do the conversion. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

Member

runningdogs

Is there any side screens

Admin

Kulraj Salh

Yes, side screens are included with the sale. Thanks, Kulraj – Trade Classics

Member

runningdogs

Thanks

Guest

Colin

Hi, Another couple of questions if I may. Could you tell me when you did the restoration? How much use has it had since the rebuild? It says in the notes “noted a slightly lumpy tick over”, what is this, is it ‘pinking’? Also what is the condition of the paint, it looks good from the photographs, are there any bubble or rippling?

Guest

Glyn Parry (Photographer)

Hi Colin, The idle is due to the camshaft fitted. It has a Newman PH1 road cam which makes the engine much more lively and nicer to drive on the road. The idle is still good, however it hasn’t got that sedate low idle you get with the standard cam (see ‘on the road’ video). Mick started the rebuild at the end of 2018 and through 2019. It has had minimal use since due to COVID and all the shows/ events were cancelled. The paint on the body is on great condition, and throughout the photoshoot I didn’t note any… Read more »

Guest

BasilPennicott

As it been converted to unleaded petrol

Guest

BasilPennicott

As it been converted to unleaded fuel

Guest

Mick

Hi,when I had the engine rebuilt,I was told not to bother,they had more knowledge on the subject than me,so I just went with what they said.

Guest

Colin

Hi, Has the engine been converted to run on lead free without fuel additives? thanks

Author

Mick W

Guest

BasilPennicott

Is it an overdrive model

Guest

Terry elvins

Hi can you please give me a call about the car 07791127360 terry

Admin

Kulraj Salh

Hi Terry, Kulraj from Trade Classics here.

Mick told me you were looking for pictures of the rebuild, we were a bit slow uploading them, but have done now to the history section; https://www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/triumph/1959-triumph-tr3a-2/#gallery5-61

Best,

Kulraj – Trade Classics

Guest

shaun Tymon-field

hi , is it possible to view the car ? We are not too far from you and looking for a decent restored classic to drive and enjoy cheers shaun

Admin

Kulraj Salh

Hi Shaun,

Kulraj from Trade Classics here. We help organise viewings, feel free to drop us an email to hello@tradeclassics.com.

Best,

Kulraj – Trade Classics

Author

Mick W

Yes it does

Guest

Nickwhite53@yahoo.co.uk

Does it have side screens ?

Guest

Peter

Dear Mick,
Do you have the old buff logbook with the paperwork, does it still retain the original reg , is the colour scheme correct and same as when produced and what does the unseen welding look like ? it sounds a bit suspicious in the description.
Regards,
Peter.

Admin

Kulraj Salh

Hi Peter,

Kulraj from Trade Classics here. Not sure what you mean with regards the welding. Have you reviewed all of the video footage, like the underside; https://youtu.be/0noS_dgBPfs?t=237

With regards the colour scheme, you’ll see it matched the heritage certificate.

Best,

Kulraj – Trade Classics

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